Obama, Netanyahu Won’t Meet During U.N. Visit

Sep 11, 2012

UPDATE: In a readout detailing a call between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu, the White House says a meeting between the pair was never requested by Israeli officials:

"President Obama spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu for an hour tonight as a part of their ongoing consultations. The two leaders discussed the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, and our close cooperation on Iran and other security issues. President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that they are united in their determination to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and agreed to continue their close consultations going forward. Contrary to reports in the press, there was never a request for Prime Minister Netanyahu to meet with President Obama in Washington, nor was a request for a meeting ever denied. "

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants a meeting with President Barack Obama during an upcoming U.S. visit, but the request comes on short notice and amid rising tensions over Iran.

The White House confirms that President Obama won't see the Israeli Prime Minister when Benjamin Netanyahu comes to the U.S. for a couple of days this month. The White House calls it inaccurate to say the President is refusing to see Netanyahu, but that the timing doesn't work. The Prime Minister will see Secretary of State Clinton.

Netanyahu reportedly has been complaining about U.S. government caution regarding a nuclear threat from Iran.

In Washington, Steve Taylor, FOX News Radio.

NSC spokesperson Tommy Vietor released the following statement, on behalf of the White House, to FOX News on the proposed meeting:

"The President arrives in New York for the UN on Monday, September 24th and departs on Tuesday, September 25th. The Prime Minister doesn't arrive in New York until later in the week. They're simply not in the city at the same time. But the President and PM are in frequent contact and the PM will meet with other senior officials, including Secretary Clinton, during his visit."